Abnett and Lanning Take Over the Galaxy

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We interview both writers about their newly exclusive status.

By Richard George & Jesse Schedeen

If you enjoy Marvel's cosmically-oriented books these days, you no doubt know the names Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. This writing duo spearheaded the major event Annihilation: Conquest last year. With Conquest over, the writers now handle both the Nova and Guardians of the Galaxy ongoing series. Between these projects, it's safe to say that the bulk of the Marvel Universe is riding on their shoulders.

Marvel seems to agree, as they've shown a new sign of support for Abnett and Lanning at Wizard World Chicago. The publisher revealed that Abnett and Lanning recently signed exclusive contracts. Nova, Rocket Raccoon, and the rest will be pleased to know that the writers won't be going anywhere for a while.

We're always happy for the opportunity to talk to DnA, as they liked to be called. In this interview, we find out what changes this new arrangement means for their cosmic books. We also learn further details about the newest member of the Guardians of the Galaxy and how Secret Invasion will impact the galaxy at large.

IGN Comics: Not that we're at all surprised to hear this announcement based on your recent Marvel involvement, but how did this arrangement come about? Was this something the two of you had been seeking?

Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning: No, we weren't seeking it, we were pleasantly surprised and flattered to be offered an exclusive contract. in the past, both Marvel and DC have made overtures about exclusives but it's never worked out, mainly due to our other work commitments: Dan's solo writing and Andy's inking. this time, it all came together so we leapt at the chance to sign up!

IGN Comics: How will this change your day to day working arrangement? Does it allow you any greater freedoms with characters or books you might not have had before?

DnA: It gives us a greater sense of security and allows us to focus on the books we're really enjoying writing. Because of the length of the deal, we're able to plan long term story arcs and ideas for future projects that will hopefully allow us to 'play' with more of Marvel's awesome toys!

IGN Comics: Marvel seems to have handed the two of you the keys to the cosmic kingdom between Nova and Guardians of the Galaxy. Do you think they would have granted you this level of control had you not become exclusive?

DnA: We were writing both those books before we became exclusive and we hope that their success went some way to Marvel's decision to offer us the exclusive deal. This just cements our relationship with Marvel and will take us forward with the cosmic titles through the next couple of years.

IGN Comics: Can we expect any new projects from you in the near future, or are Nova and Guardians keeping you pretty busy?

DnA: They are keeping us busy but we are looking forward to developing some new things with Marvel and increasing our output in the future.

IGN Comics: As long as we have you, we'd like to touch on Guardians for a few minutes. Issue #2 introduced Vance Astro and his familiar-looking shield to the team. How much of a presence will he be on this squad?

DnA: Vance Astro will be around for the foreseeable future as the true nature of his appearance in the universe is revealed. He is displaced in time and space, his memories a fractured and unreliable. He could be friend or foe and not even know it himself. He has already had an impact on the team by inadvertently giving them a name, his influence will increase as his mystery unfolds in future issues.

IGN Comics: Apart from the shield, will he be fulfilling a Cap-like role on the team based on his "man out of time" situation?

DnA: Very much so, we drew deliberate parallels with Cap's reappearance in the Avengers #4. Cap galvanized that team into a cohesive force but exactly how Vance will impact on the Guardians remains to be seen... sometimes history 'rhymes'.

IGN Comics: Both Nova and Guardians have Secret Invasion tie-ins coming up soon. What can you tell us about these arcs? How do they fit into the grand scheme of the invasion?

DnA: Nova's part in the Secret Invasion takes him back to Earth, where he safe guards his family and ends up protecting Project Pegasus from the Skrull infiltration. This leads him to team up with a couple of old heroes, one of whom will be a big surprise. The Guardians however, find themselves in a security lock down on Knowhere, when Skrull infiltration is discovered. In the tense, paranoid, claustrophobic atmosphere, the team come under increasing pressure and suspicion form without and within as they find themselves asking just who can you trust?!

IGN Comics: Annihilation: Conquest just wrapped up, yet you already seem to be alluding to the next big cosmic event. Any hints as to what that might entail or when it will occur?

DnA: Both Nova and Guardians are building to larger story arcs that will have profound implications to there own titles and beyond. Exactly what they are will have to remain a secret as we are in the early stages of planning future works... watch this space!